How I learned about the travel bubble

Just to be really clear: I adore Poland. It's beautiful. The people are also beautiful inside and out. Milan was not so fun for me. India, however, was awesome. What's the difference? I think it is all about constructing the proper "travel bubble."

In India, I had Lokesh who was at first my driver, but became my friend (find him in earlier posts). We went all sorts of places together, and he was kind to me and helpful. And, frankly, he protected me from the bad guys.

In Milan, there was nothing and no one standing between me and the grumpy Milanese. (Perhaps they were grumpy due to the rain?)

 In Poland, I was back with friendly people. (In fact, they were friendly IN SPITE OF the rain.) I met up with Paul the night I arrived and we had dinner. The next day, teaching at the PB office, I met Robert, Pawel, Magda, and Robert - and others. And they were so funny, and smart, and kind.

They became my "travel bubble." We laughed together, went to dinner, shared lunch, shared ideas. It was fun and safe, and made me want to return to Poland again. So, lesson learned for me?  Make sure I always create - or pack - a "travel bubble."